Could Core Beliefs Be Limiting Your Potential?
When faced with personal challenges, uncomfortable emotions, or sticky situations, do you notice certain patterns of self-talk, assumptions about others, or thoughts about the world that may be getting in your way? Underneath those thought patterns and automatic assumptions may be a larger belief system limiting your interpretation of your world. Learn about core beliefs and how our mental health counselors can help!
What are core beliefs?
Our core beliefs inform our automatic thought processes, impacting our experiences, emotions, behaviors, and more. “Core beliefs” can be defined as a person’s most foundational ideas about themselves, other people, and the world. Our beliefs often become embedded in our experiences from an early age and shape our realities in the years following. They may also be messages absorbed from media, family members, friends, community leaders, and mentors that influence our perspectives.
We can equate a core belief to being a “filter” through which we interpret the world. For that reason, many people may experience the same event but will experience it differently based on the core belief they are applying to the situation.
Consider two people who receive the same feedback from a supervisor at work. One who may have the negative core belief that “I am dumb” will interpret the feedback as evidence for their belief and inability to learn and improve. The other, who may have the healthier core belief that “I am capable of growth,” will see the feedback as a learning opportunity for professional development. As a result, each team member reacts with very different thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the workplace moving forward.
When assessing your core beliefs, it is important to keep in mind the following:
- Beliefs are learned; we are not born with them.
- Beliefs do not necessarily constitute facts. In fact, they are often untrue – especially when learned at an early age.
- Beliefs seek evidence to affirm and perpetuate themselves, whether the evidence is conclusive or not. We also tend to ignore information that contradicts our core beliefs.
- Beliefs are often rigid or may present as “rules” for how the world works.
- While we may have held certain core beliefs for a long time, it’s important to remember that they can still be changed and developed into healthier perspectives. This potential for personal growth and change gives us hope and motivation.
For more information on core beliefs, Request An Appointment at Therapy Solutions to talk to one of our mental health counselors and Take Your Life Back!
Article by: Mandolin Moody, LMSW, DBT, CBT, REBT – gatewaysolutions.org